Local NAACP branch to honor community leaders during Centennial dinner

Larry Curtis, conductor of the Long Beach Municipal Band, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP dinner.

The Long Beach Branch NAACP will have its 2009 Centennial and 30th Founders Celebration Dinner & Awards presentation on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Long Beach Westin, 333 E. Ocean Blvd. The 2009 honorees will include: Larry Curtis, conductor of the Long Beach Municipal Band; Larry Curtis, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Steve Goodling, who will receive the Humanitarian Award.
The Long Beach Branch NAACP Founders Awards will be presented to: Congresswoman Laura Richardson, for the Zelma A. Lipscomb; business owner H. Maxie Viltz, for the Lillie V. Grigsby; and Councilmember Dee Andrews for the Ernest McBride, Sr.
Kaiser Permanente will receive the Corporation of the Year Award, with
special recognition of: Dr. Phyllis Hayes Reams, Internal Medicine, Geriatric, Palliative & Hospice Care; Dr. Donna Elhers, Psychiatric Medicine; and Dr. Vanessa E. Gavin-Headen, Family Practice Medicine. These doctors are being recognized for their special medical services beyond the call of duty to the community.
The Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission will receive the Centennial Award. Educators Davian Freeman and Charles Smith will be honored with the Centennial Trailblazer Award. The President’s Awards will be
Given to Vic Bulluck, executive director of the Hollywood Bureau
and Morry’s of Naples. Bulluck addresses issues of minority
representation in creative and technical positions in entertainment
and is also involved with lobbying and negotiating with industry
officials to expand opportunities for people of color.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been selected to receive the 2009 Centennial Recognition Award, which celebrates 100 years of NAACP in the struggle for civil rights. The Centennial Celebration of the NAACP will also be an opportunity to provide the community with a wealth of historical
information about the accomplishments of the NAACP. This signature
event will generate funds for Long Beach Branch NAACP Branch programs.
Event sponsorship, auction items and scholarship sponsors are still needed and individual/corporate tickets are still available.